Trend Toward Interdisciplinary Design

By Kate Yurko

January 1st, 2017

“Interdisciplinary” has become
more than just a buzzword in
higher education health science
learning environments. Department
separations are disappearing, and the
promotion of interdisciplinary practice and
learning, along with the desire to create
spaces that support interdisciplinary education,
are at the forefront in health science
design. One factor driving this change is
the healthcare industry, which is operating
more holistically, focusing on patient
outcomes and wellness.

This shift in healthcare delivery requires
greater synergies among healthcare
professionals and broader understanding
of each other’s roles in the overall process.
For a seamless transition from learning to
doing, education environments are supporting
this shift via the following changes
to the learning environment.

1. By grouping spaces, like offices, in a
suite, rather than organizing and grouping
by department, non-departmental
themes or areas of personal interest are
considered.

2. Investments in laboratory and simulation
spaces place a greater focus on
creating interdisciplinary teams that
may work together or cycle in and out
to practice transfer of patient care. The
result is an environment that is less
specialized for one particular department,
creates efficiencies of space
utilization and establishes an environment
that is similar to a working
medical facility.

3. Designers can optimize and utilize
community spaces (such as corridors,
alcoves and overlooks) by parlaying
social and study places that are interdisciplinary
in nature and open to all.

4. Transparency allows for the observation
and demonstration of learning environment
activities. Allowing students to see
the learning occurring in a space promotes
broader understanding and increases
interest in profession cross-pollination.